Self-rescue system and method for people in distress in an aquatic environment, personal beacon and u-shaped buoy configured to carry out the self-rescue method in an aquatic environment

ABSTRACT

Summary 
     The present invention relates to a system and method of self-rescue of people in distress in an aquatic environment, personal beacon ( 10 ) emitting distress and location signals and a U-shaped buoy ( 20 ), self-propelled by turbines and battery powered, configured to carry out the self-rescue method and provided with an electronics module ( 30 ) in the said U-shaped buoy ( 20 ), equipped with signal processing and data processing means, operatively connected to the turbines ( 40 ).

The present invention relates to a method of self-rescue of a person in distress in an aquatic environment, a personal beacon and a U-shaped buoy configured to carry out the self-rescue method.

BACKGROUND

Self-propelled U-shaped rescue vehicles have been shown to be particularly effective in rescue operations for victims in seas, rivers or reservoirs of dams and are currently a highly sought-after alternative by the market to traditional rescue means, namely lifebuoys.

The speed of the intervention and the rescue coupled with the possibility of remotely controlling the rescue means are the reasons for the aforementioned demand that is registered either by the owners of recreational boats or professionals or by the maritime authorities or the concessionaires of bathing areas.

The system and method described and disclosed in patent document WO 20122139044 is considered to be the state of the art closest to the present invention. A remotely controlled vehicle is disclosed, specially adapted to rescue people in distress in the aquatic environment. However, the possibility of the rescue means being triggered by the person in distress in the aquatic environment is not contemplated. On the other hand, in the mentioned document, the rescue vehicle or buoy is directed to the rescue site by remote control whereas in the invention it is done automatically.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a rescue method that is called self-rescue because it is initiated by the person in distress and is controlled by the devices that are part of the method of the invention without any intervention by third parties, in other words, fully automatic.

It was found that an important factor in rescue operations is the reaction time of the rescue means to the critical situation detected. Detection is usually done by human and/or technical means, such as surveillance cameras and/or sensors in charge of monitoring a certain area, which may be a swimming pool, a beach, or a boat. Detection is not always done in a timely manner, which contributes to a high number of unsuccessful cases. It is the object of the present invention to provide a method in which the alarm is given by the person in distress, either because he fell to the water from the side of a vessel, or because he is drowning in the sea, in a pool, lake or dam. After the distress signal has been issued and received by the signal receptor installed in the rescue buoy, a process is initiated that begins with the launch of the buoy, followed by its steering to the place where the person in difficulty is found. Such a process is controlled by computational means installed in the buoy that processes the signals emitted by a signal-emitting beacon carried by a user using the invention's method. The computational means process the signal emitted from the beacon, determine the route in real time according to the relative location of the person in distress and the buoy, and activate automata that alter the relative position of the turbines installed at the ends of the U-shaped buoy and condition its direction and movement.

In accordance with the present invention, a water rescue system is provided, as defined in claim 1.

For a better understanding of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is now described, purely as a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of a motorised U-shaped buoy or water rescue vehicle according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the personal signal-emitting beacon, according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the self-rescue method according to the invention, launched from a vessel;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the self-rescue method according to the invention, launched from a pontoon in the coastal area and where the buoy's position is determined by surveillance cameras;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the self-rescue method according to the invention, launched from a pool wall;

FIG. 6 shows the flowchart of signal and data processing, operated in the controller of the invention.

With reference to these figures, a self-rescue system and method according to the invention is shown, as well as its components.

In particular in FIGS. 3 and 6 , the method of the invention is shown schematically, as well as the different components of the system that comprises the method.

The self-rescue system for people in distress in the aquatic environment has as essential components a personal signal-emitting beacon 10, and a U-shaped buoy, 20, self-propelled by turbines and powered by battery.

Both the U-shaped buoy, 20, and the personal beacon each have a locator that determines in real time the geographical position where the respective system component is located.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the locator can be a GPS device. However, the invention could be implemented using other types of locators. For example, the location can be determined by processing the acoustic signal, by triangulation, or in another form, by video surveillance cameras operatively connected with the system components.

The buoy component 20 includes an electronics module 30, which includes the aforementioned locator, a signal receiver, and a controller that processes the signals emitted from the personal signal-emitting beacon 10.

The signals emitted can be of two types: distress or location, coded according to the frequency of emission/reception.

The aforementioned controller 30, is provided with signal processing and data processing means, and is operatively connected to the turbines 40. The turbines 40 are capable of varying their orientation in space as well as their speed of rotation, actuated by the controller.

According to the invention, the processing means are configured to: i) activate the detachment and/or initiation automata, from the movement of the U-shaped buoy, 20, which release the buoy from the support device 50 and/or initiate and direct the movement of the U-shaped buoy, after receiving a distress signal by the receptor of the U-shaped buoy signal; ii) actuate automata positioned next to the turbines 40, which will modify the orientation of the turbines 40, depending on the rescue route, determined by the reception of the first location signal received after the distress signal, correcting the referred route in real time according to the location signals, emitted in real time from the beacon 10, carried by the person in distress.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the self-rescue system of the person in distress, the signals are RF signals.

Advantageously, the signals are sound wave signals.

The location of the person in distress can also be determined by magnetic wave triangulation.

The system of the invention allows for the execution of a method of self-rescue of a person in distress in an aquatic environment.

The method is automatic, initiated by the initiator device, 15, located in the personal signal-emitting beacon 10, operatively connected to the U-shaped buoy, 20, and controlled from the electronics module located in the buoy 20, by computational means. These means are configured to perform a self-rescue method in which the processor, after receiving a distress signal emitted from a personal beacon (10), i) actuates automatic detachment and/or initiation of the U-shaped buoy, 20, from a support device 50, ii) determines and corrects, in real time, the rescue route in water, depending on the relative position of the U-shaped buoy, 20, and the location signals emitted in real time from the personal beacon 10 and iii) actuates position automata for the turbines of the U-shaped buoy, steering the U-shaped buoy in real time, 20 to the place where the person carrying the personal beacon is located 10.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention the position of the person in distress is determined by cameras 60, operatively connected and directed towards the person in distress that has a personal beacon.

The system of the invention has as components, the personal beacon device 10, emitter of distress and location signals and the U-shaped buoy.

The personal beacon device 10, includes a location determination locator, and an emitter of distress and location signals, configured to be received by the signal receptor of a U-shaped buoy, 20, to carry out the self-rescue method as described.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the personal beacon 10, which emits distress and location signals, the locator is a GPS device.

Advantageously, the personal beacon 10, which emits distress and location signals, is a radio frequency (RF) emitter operatively connected to video surveillance cameras 60, configured to determine in real time the relative position of the signal beacon and transmit the location data of the person in distress to the U-shaped buoy, 20. The personal beacon device 10, which emits distress signals may include a support, 11 and an initiator device 15.

Advantageously the support 11, is a bracelet.

One option for the embodiment of the initiator device is a button 15.

Another preference for the initiator device is a pin.

As a complementary component of the personal beacon, the U-shaped buoy is an integral part of the system. The buoy of the invention is configured to carry out the method of the invention.

The said buoy 20, is self-propelled by turbines 40, and battery powered, and includes an electronics module, 30 which includes a locator for determining the location of the buoy, means of receiving distress and location signals emitted by the personal beacon 10, and a controller provided with signal and data processing means, operatively connected to the turbines. The processing means are configured to: i) actuate detachment and/or initiation of automata, positioned in the U-shaped buoy that release the buoy from the support device 50 and/or initiate and direct the movement of the said U-buoy, upon receipt of a distress signal by the signal receptor of the U-shaped buoy; ii) actuate automata positioned next to the turbines 40, whereby these automata modify the orientation of the turbines 40, depending on the rescue route, determined from the reception of the first location signal after the distress signal, iii) the route being corrected in real time according to the location signals, emitted from the beacon 10 carried by the person in distress.

FIG. 1 shows the vehicle/U-shaped buoy 20 of the invention in a plan: the electronics module 30, where the signal reception means, the signal and data processing means and the data emission means are housed to control the actuators of the turbines 40.

FIG. 2 shows the personal signal-emitting beacon 10, in this case a bracelet that includes a support 11 and a button 15. The personal beacon includes a locator for determining the position of the beacon carrier.

FIG. 3 is a representation of the invention's self-rescue method. After activating the initiator button 15, located on the personal signal-emitting beacon 10, an automatic process is carried out which includes the steps of releasing the U-shaped buoy, 20, from the support device, 50, and its steering to the place where the person with the signal-emitting beacon 10 is located.

FIG. 4 represents the self-rescue method of the invention in use in natural bathing facilities (lakes, beaches, dams). The determination of the person's position in distress in the aquatic environment is done with the use of video surveillance cameras operatively connected to the signal-emitting beacon 10.

FIG. 5 represents the invention in a swimming pool, with the U-shaped buoy attached to the support 50.

FIG. 6 shows the flowchart for processing signals and data according to the invention. Upon activation of the initiator device of the invention, 15, an RF or other signal is emitted, which is received in the electronics module of the U-shaped buoy, 20. This signal is recognised by the signal receptor and identified as a distress signal. The recognition of the distress signal, 101, in the processor, starts the processing, 101, the end result of which is the actuation of the retainer automaton 105, which results in the release or launch, 107, of the U-shaped buoy, 20. Subsequently to the distress signal, there is the cyclic emission of signals by the signal-emitting beacon, 10, which contain the coding of the location of the user of the personal beacon, 10, obtained by GPS or another location determination system. The location data is received 102, and processed, 104, resulting in the determination of the rescue route and the performance of the turbine automata, 40 in the sense that, in real time, this route is corrected, that is, modifying in real time the direction of the self-rescue buoy, 108, to reach the place where the user with the personal beacon is, 10. Since the geographic positions of the bearer of the personal signal-emitting beacon and the self-rescue buoy are constantly changing due to the unstable nature of the aquatic environment in which they are found, the processing includes the new location data, 109, which is included in the processing routine.

Finally, it is clear that the self-rescue method and system described and illustrated here as well as the personal beacon and the U-shaped buoy configured to carry out the method of the invention can be modified and varied without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. 

1. Self-rescue system for people in distress in an aquatic environment comprising: a personal beacon (10) emitting distress and location signals; a U-shaped buoy (20) self-propelled by turbines (40) and battery powered, equipped with an electronics module (30), which includes a locator for determining the location of the U-shaped buoy (20) and a receptor of distress and location signals emitted by the said personal beacon; a controller in the electronics module (30) in the U-shaped buoy (20), equipped with signal processing and data processing means, operably connected to the turbines characterised by: the aforementioned processing means are configured to: actuate detachment and/or initiation automata, positioned on the U-shaped buoy (20) that release the U-shaped buoy (20) from the support device (50) and/or initiate and direct the movement of the said U-shaped (20), after receiving a distress signal by means of signal reception of the U-shaped buoy (20), actuate automata positioned next to the turbines (40), these automata then modify the orientation of the said turbines (40) according to the rescue route, determined from the reception of the first location signal after receiving the distress signal, the mentioned route is corrected in real time according to the location signals, emitted in real time from the personal beacon (10) carried by the person in distress.
 2. Self-rescue system for a person in distress in an aquatic environment according to the 1st claim, characterised by the U-shaped buoy locator (20) which is a GPS device.
 3. Self-rescue system for people in distress in an aquatic environment according to the 1st claim, characterised by the location signals being obtained by a GPS device incorporated in the personal beacon (10).
 4. Self-rescue system for a person in distress in an aquatic environment according to the 1st claim, characterised by the referred signals being RF signals.
 5. Self-rescue system for people in distress in an aquatic environment according to the 1st claim, characterised by the referred signals being sound wave signals.
 6. Self-rescue system of a person in distress in an aquatic environment according to the 1st claim characterised by the location of the person in distress being determined by magnetic wave triangulation.
 7. Self-rescue method for people in distress in an aquatic environment characterised by: after receiving a distress signal issued from a personal beacon (10), actuate the detachment and/or initiation of a U-shaped buoy (20) from a support device (50), determine and correct, in real time, a rescue route in an aquatic environment, depending on the relative position of the U-shaped buoy (20) and the location signals emitted in real time from a personal beacon (10), actuate position automata of the turbines of the U-shaped buoy (20) directing the said U-shaped buoy (20) in real time to the place where the person carrying the personal beacon is (10).
 8. Rescue method of a person in distress in an aquatic environment according to the previous claim characterised in that the position of the person in distress is determined by cameras (60) operatively connected and directed to the person in distress carrying a personal beacon (10).
 9. Personal beacon (10) emitter of distress and location signals characterised by including a locator for determining the location, an emitter of distress and location signals, configured to be received by a signal receptor of a U-shaped buoy (20) and carry out the rescue method as described in claim
 3. 10. Personal beacon (10) emitting distress and location signals according to the previous claim, characterised by the locator being a GPS device.
 11. Personal beacon (10) emitting distress and location signals according to the previous claim, characterised by the locator being a radio frequency emitter operatively connected to video surveillance cameras (60) configured to determine in real time the relative position of the signal-emitting beacon and transmit the location data of the person in distress to the U-shaped buoy (20).
 12. Personal beacon (10) emitting distress and location signals according to claim 9, characterised in that it includes a support (11) and an initiator device (15).
 13. Personal beacon (10) emitting distress and location signals according to the previous claim, characterised by the support (11) being a bracelet.
 14. Personal beacon (10) emitting distress and location signals according to the previous claim, characterised by the initiating device being a button (15).
 15. Personal beacon (10) emitting distress and location signals according to claim 4, characterised by the initiator device being a pin.
 16. U-shaped buoy (20) self-propelled by turbines and battery powered, which includes a locator for determining the location of the U-shaped buoy (20) and with means of receiving distress signals and location signals emitted by the said personal beacon (10), characterised by, a controller with signal and data processing means, operably connected to the turbines, characterised by: the aforementioned processing means being configured to: actuate detachment and/or initiation automata, positioned on the U-shaped buoy (20) that release the U-shaped buoy (20) from the support device (50) and/or initiate and direct the movement of the said U-shaped buoy (20) after receiving a distress signal by means of signal reception of the U-shaped buoy (20). actuate automata positioned next to the turbines (40), these automata then modify the orientation of the said turbines (40) according to the rescue route, determined from the reception of the first location signal after receiving the distress signal, the mentioned route is corrected in real time according to the location signals, emitted in real time from the personal beacon (10) carried by the person in distress.
 17. Personal beacon (10) emitting distress and location signals according to claim 5, characterised by the initiator device being a pin. 